Rehabilitation exercise device and method for persons with injuries causing limited ranges of motion to one or more limbs

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus permitting a user to perform rehabilitation exercises despite having limited range of motion. Provided is a rehabilitation exercise device having a belt portion, which is to be fixed as a conventional belt to the waist of the user. The belt portion has laterally adjustable connectors for the attachment of elastic members/straps which are connected to the legs of the user, for various rehabilitary exercises based on the application of force required for the stretching of the elastic straps.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of a PCT application bearing serial numberPCT/US11/037,721, filed May 24, 2011, which was a nonprovisional of U.S.Patent application Ser. No. 61/347,600, filed May 24, 2010, whichapplications are incorporated herein by reference and priority of suchapplications is hereby claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

People are injured every day. Many of those injuries are painful, andsome of those injuries will result in a limited range of motion duringthe injury period.

Sometimes the injuries affect a person for a short period, and othertimes, injuries may have longer lasting effects. Some of those injuriesmay include leg injuries or conditions that prevent a person from usingthe full range of motion of his or her legs.

Such persons may wish to exercise or use the muscles in his or her legsdespite having a limited range of motion. However, doing so may bepainful or it may be simply impossible due to having a limited range ofmotion in the legs.

One embodiment provides a method and apparatus permitting a user toexercise the muscles in his or her legs despite having limited range ofmotion. It is believed that no one prior to the inventor has made orused a lower body exercise device as described herein.

While certain novel features of this invention shown and described beloware pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended tobe limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill inthe relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications,substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the deviceillustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in anyway from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of theinvention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated asbeing “critical” or “essential.”

BRIEF SUMMARY

The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted inthe art in a simple and straightforward manner. What is provided is arehabilitation exercise device and method, the exercise device includinga belt portion, which is to be fixed as a conventional belt to the waistof the user. The belt portion having adjustable quickconnect/disconnects for adjustably connecting a plurality of elasticstraps which are connected to the legs of the user for variousexercises.

In one embodiment is provided a back support which may comprise aportion of the belt or a part connected to the belt portion. The backsupport can reduce the risk of back injury and/or lessen chronic backpain during rehabilitation exercises. The back support a rigidity whichcan provide lumbar back support for the user.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 includes a top rear view of exemplary embodiment of therehabilitation exercise device.

FIG. 2A includes a front perspective view of the exercise device of FIG.1.

FIG. 2B includes a perspective view of the lower exercise portion ofFIG. 1, with a belt extender shown.

FIG. 3 includes a rear perspective view of the exercise device of FIG.1, with the back support attachment omitted.

FIG. 4 includes a rear perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 1with the back support attachment in place on the lower belt.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an elastic band havingdetachable connectors on either end which can be used.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an elastic band havingdetachable connectors on either end which can be used.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an example embodiment of anankle/foot support which can be used to attach to one of the lowerelastic bands.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the ankle/foot support of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of wrist support which can be used toattach to one of the upper elastic bands.

FIG. 10 is bottom perspective view of wrist support of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a handle which can be used with theelastic band shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of person wearing the rehabilitation exercisedevice of FIG. 1 with lower elastic bands connected to adjustableconnectors of the belt (at the highest connecting ring), and alsoconnected to the ankle/foot support of FIG. 5, but with bands not in themiddle of the glutes.

FIG. 13 is a rear view of person wearing rehabilitation exercise of FIG.12 now with the elastic bands connected to adjustable connectors (at thelowest connecting rings) and with adjustable connectors of the belthorizontally moved so that the bands are now in the middle of the glutesschematically indicating vertical and horizontal adjustability of therear connectors.

FIG. 14 is a front view of person wearing rehabilitation exercise withupper rubber bands connected to the single rear connecting ring andgoing to the front of the person (under the shoulder/arm pits, and withthe person having arms stretched out against the bands.

FIG. 15 is a rear view of person wearing rehabilitation exercise withupper rubber bands connected to the single rear connecting ring andgoing to the front of the person (under the shoulder/arm pits.

FIGS. 16-18 schematically illustrate how the belt and lower elasticbands tend to cause a pelvis tilt and spinal realignment keeping theperson in the proper position during rehabilitation/exercise movements.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a person jogging with the rehabilitationexerciser of FIGS. 12-15, with lower and upper elastic bands in place.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a person jogging with the rehabilitationexerciser of FIGS. 12-15, but with only lower elastic bands in place.

FIG. 21 schematically illustrates another rehabilitation exercise wherethe individual stands and has one or both arms stretched out in agenerally vertical direction.

FIGS. 22A and 22B schematically illustrate one rehabilitation exercisewhere the individual bends generally horizontally at the hip whilestanding on one leg, and has one or both arms stretched out in agenerally horizontal direction.

FIGS. 23-25 schematically illustrate another rehabilitation exercisewhere the individual sits with a generally vertical posture with thelegs bent at the knees while extending one or both legs from a generallyvertical direction to a generally horizontal direction.

FIGS. 26-27 schematically illustrate another rehabilitation exercisewhere the individual stands with a generally vertical posture whileextending one leg from a generally vertical direction to an offsetposition while the other leg remains in a generally vertical direction.

The drawings are not intended to be limited in any way, and it iscontemplated that various versions may be carried out in a variety ofother ways including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. Theaccompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of thespecification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of thelower body exercise device; it being understood, however, that thislower body exercise device is not limited to the precise arrangementsshown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are providedherein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention maybe embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structureor manner.

FIGS. 1-4 depict one version of a rehabilitation exercise device 10.FIG. 1 includes a top rear view of exemplary embodiment of therehabilitation exercise device 10. FIG. 2A includes a front perspectiveview of the exercise device 10. FIG. 2B includes a perspective view ofthe lower exercise portion 100, with a belt extender 1600 shown (beltextended can be used for larger sized individuals. FIG. 3 includes arear perspective view of the exercise device 10, with the back supportattachment 1500 omitted. FIG. 4 includes a rear perspective view of theexercise device 10 with the back support attachment 1500 in place on thelower belt 200.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an elastic band 500having detachable connectors 512,522 on either end 510,520 which can beused (where the detachable connectors 512,522 include clip typeconnectors). FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of anelastic band 500′ having a detachable connectors 512, 522 on either end510,520 which can be used (where detachable connect 522 of band 500′includes an enlarged area or knot).

Exercise rehabilitation device 10 can comprise belt 200 having aplurality of longitudinally adjustable elastic members/straps 500,600and adjustable shoulder harness 1000 which also has a plurality ofelastic members/straps 1300,1400.

In general, exercise rehabilitation device 10 consists of a belt 200portion and optional shoulder harness 1000. The belt portion 200 can beattached to the waist of the user, and include a plurality oflongitudinally adjustable elastic members/straps 500,600. Shoulderharness 1000 can also include a plurality of detachably which also has aplurality of elastic members/straps 1300,1400.

Belt 200 can be generally rectangular having upper portion 250, lowerportion 260, first end 210 and second end 220. First and second ends210,220 can be adjustably connectable by using the connector marketedunder the trademark VELCRO and which consists of opposite pieces offabric, one with a dense arrangement of tiny nylon hooks and anotherwith a dense nylon pile, that interlock when pressed together.

Belt 200 can include first and second lower adjustable connectingmembers 300, 400. Belt 200 may have a length within the range of 50 cmto 125 cm.

First lower adjustable connecting member 300 can include first, second,and third vertical connecting ring set 330, 340, 350. First loweradjustable connecting member 300 can be slidably adjustable relative tobelt 200 in the longitudinal direction and have left and right extremehorizontal adjustment positions 310,320 providing an extent ofhorizontal adjustment 315. In one embodiment the extent of horizontaladjustment can be about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 inches. Invarious embodiments the extent of horizontal adjustment can a range ofbetween about any to of the above specified adjustment extentspecifications. Connecting member 300 serves as the attachment mechanismfor elastic member/strap 500 to the user's leg. Connecting member 300 ishorizontally or longitudinally adjustable relative to belt 200 (such asvia a sliding adjustment) so that the lower elastic member/strap 500 canbe adjustably horizontally centered with the user's leg regardless ofthe waist size of the user. The rings 330,340,350 can be made of metalor plastic. In one embodiment the ring sets can include 2, 3, 4, or 5vertical rings to provide different tension settings for the lowerelastic member/strap 500. In one embodiment vertical attachment pointsof the rings 430,440,450 of a particular ring set are in a commonvertical line and provide the anchoring mechanism for elasticmember/strap 500.

Second lower adjustable connecting member 400 can include first, second,and third vertical connecting ring set 430, 440, 450. First loweradjustable connecting member 300 can be slidably adjustable relative tobelt 200 in the longitudinal direction and have left and right extremehorizontal adjustment positions 410,420 providing an extent ofhorizontal adjustment 415. In one embodiment the extent of horizontaladjustment can be about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 inches. Invarious embodiments the extent of horizontal adjustment can a range ofbetween about any to of the above specified adjustment extentspecifications. In one embodiment the extent of horizontal adjustment315 can equal the extent of horizontal adjustment 415 (in one embodimentextent 315 can be different from extent 415). Connecting member 400serves as the attachment mechanism for elastic member/strap 600 to theuser's leg (the opposite leg as served by connecting member 300).Connecting member 400 is horizontally or longitudinally adjustablerelative to belt 200 (such as via a sliding adjustment) so that thelower elastic member/strap 600 can be adjustably horizontally centeredwith the user's leg regardless of the waist size of the user. The rings430,440,450 can be made of metal or plastic. In one embodiment the ringsets can include 2, 3, 4, or 5 vertical rings to provide differenttension settings for the lower elastic member/strap 600. In oneembodiment vertical attachment points of the rings 430,440,450 of aparticular ring set are in a common vertical line and provide theanchoring mechanism for elastic member/strap 600.

Ring elements may have a circular or oval shape and be locked insideloop so that they can be freely pivoted with respect to loop and eachother another.

The ends of elastic members/straps 500,600 may have variousconventionally available connectors such as hooks, clasps, and/oradjustable loops. For example, an adjustable loop can be formed in theend of the elastic members/straps to take the place of foot and anklesleeves (allowing the user to place the loop on his foot, outside of hisshoe, or on the palm of his hand).

Belt 200 can include optional back support 1500, which can be detachablyconnectable to belt 200. Back support 1400 can be flexible in alongitudinal direction of belt 200, but be relatively rigid in thevertical direction. The vertical rigidity of back support 1400 can beachieved by providing a reinforcement section, such as reinforcing ribs.Reinforcing ribs may include rigid plastic strips embedded or otherwiseinserted into the material of panel. Back support can be shaped inaccordance with the natural physiological shape of the back of a humanbody, so as to serve as an injury prevention device. In one embodimentback-support 1400 may have a width of up to 30 cm and height at the topof belt 20 up to 10-15 cm. In one embodiment back support 1400 can beseparate from belt portion, and is attached, e.g., by Velcro fasteners.

In one embodiment shoulder harness 1000 can be detachably and adjustablyconnected to belt 200, and belt 200 can include a plurality ofadjustable connecting members 300,400 with multiple vertical connectionrings 330,340,350; 430,440,450.

In one embodiment the multiple vertical connection rings 330,340,350;430,440,450 can each be horizontally adjustable relative to belt 200. Inone embodiment multiple vertical connection rings 330,340,350;430,440,450 can be detachably connectable to a plurality of elasticmembers/straps 500,600. In one embodiment plurality of elasticmembers/straps 500,600 can be detachably connected to a user's lowerextremity such as an ankle or foot using a plurality of foot sleeves550,650.

In one embodiment shoulder harness 100 can comprises a plurality ofshoulder straps 1100,1200 configured to rest against the shoulders of auser of rehabilitation exercise device 10. The plurality of shoulderstraps 1100,1200 may be constructed of a foam material or of any othersuitable material to provide a cushioned surface. For example, thecushioned surface may comprise a plush material, an elastomericmaterial, a rubberized material, or another other suitable materialoperable to provide further comfort for the user during use.Alternatively, the plurality of shoulder straps 1100,1200 may have nocushioning or padding at all. In yet other alternative versions, theplurality of shoulder straps 1100,1200 may be in communication with aseparately attachable pad, which may be attached to at least oneshoulder strap 1100 and/or 1200. The plurality of shoulder straps1100,1200 may be further constructed of a non-slip material so as toprovide a secure contact with the user's shoulders. The non-slipmaterial may comprise a rubber-like surface, a textured surface, or anyother type of surface operable to have a high coefficient of friction tofacilitate secure contact with the user's shoulders. The top of theplurality of shoulder straps 1100,1200 can comprise at least one frontattachment ring 1110,1210 configured to couple the plurality of shoulderstraps 1100,1200 with a plurality of upper elastic band/members1300,1400. Alternatively, one or both elastic bands/members 1300,1400can be connected to rear attachment ring 1010. The illustrated versiondepicts a circular ring; however, any suitable structure may be used toreleasably couple the plurality of shoulder straps 1100,1200 withanother object. For example, a buckle, a snapping member, an O-ring orany other shaped ring, or a tying strap may be used. Shoulder harness1000 may be configured to have at least one shoulder strap 1100 or 1200extending over both shoulders of a user or over just one shoulder of auser. At least one shoulder strap 1100 or 1200 may comprise just asingle shoulder strap or any suitable number of shoulder straps.

At least one shoulder strap 1100 further comprises an adjustable portion1130 configured to allow adjustability of at least one shoulder strap1100. Adjustable portion 1130 may comprise a belt like connection or aVelcro-like material or any other removably attachable material suitableto allow adjustment of at least one shoulder strap 1100 in relation toshoulder harness 100. For example, at least one shoulder strap 1100 maycomprise a Velcro-like material or any other removably attachablematerial suitable to allow adjustment of at least one shoulder strap1100 in relation to shoulder harness 1000. For example, at least oneshoulder strap 1100 may comprise a buckle, a snap fitting, an adhesiveportion, a tying strap, or other suitable structures. At least oneshoulder strap 1100 may alternatively comprise an adhesive strip tofacilitate adjustment of at least one shoulder strap 1100. Othersuitable materials will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the artin view of the teachings herein.

At least one shoulder strap 1200 further comprises an adjustable portion130 configured to allow adjustability of at least one shoulder strap1200. Adjustable portion 1230 may comprise a belt like connection or aVelcro-like material or any other removably attachable material suitableto allow adjustment of at least one shoulder strap 1200 in relation toshoulder harness 1000. For example, at least one shoulder strap 1200 maycomprise a Velcro-like material or any other removably attachablematerial suitable to allow adjustment of at least one shoulder strap1200 in relation to shoulder harness 1000. For example, at least oneshoulder strap 1200 may comprise a buckle, a snap fitting, an adhesiveportion, a tying strap, or other suitable structures. At least oneshoulder strap 1200 may alternatively comprise an adhesive strip tofacilitate adjustment of at least one shoulder strap 1200. Othersuitable materials will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the artin view of the teachings herein.

The front of shoulder harness 1000 may include a plurality of attachmentring 1110,1210 configured to couple shoulder harness 1000 with elasticmembers/straps 1300,1400 and/or other objects, such as exerciseequipment, weights, or any other suitable object. In some versions, arear attachment ring 1010 may be used. In other embodiments otherattachment mechanisms may be used including, but not limited to abuckle, a snapping member, an O-ring or any other shaped ring, or atying strap. The rear of shoulder harness 1000 may comprise yet anotherat least one attachment ring 1010 configured to couple shoulder harness1000 with yet another object, such as exercise equipment, weights, orany other suitable object. Of course, shoulder harness 1000 may beconstructed without any attachment rings 1010, 1110,1210 as one ofordinary skill may find suitable.

The front of shoulder harness 1000 may further comprise a chest strap1130,1230. Chest strap 1130,1230 is configured to connect to shoulderharness 1000 thereby providing additional support for the user. In thecase that more than one shoulder harness 1000 is used, chest strap1130,1230 may be used to couple the more than one shoulder harness 1000.Chest strap 1130,1230 may comprise a Velcro material or any otherremovably attachable material suitable to allow adjustment of cheststrap 1130,1230 to provide variable levels of tightness for the user.For example, chest strap 1130,1230 may comprise a buckle, a snapfitting, an adhesive portion, or other suitable structures.

Shoulder harness 1000 is attached to belt 200. Belt 200 is configured toextend around the waist of a user and may comprise an adjustable portionconfigured to allow adjustment of the diameter of belt 200. Adjustableportion of belt 200 may comprise a Velcro material or any otherremovably attachable material suitable to allow adjustment of belt 200.For example, adjustable portion may comprise a buckle, a snap fitting,an adhesive portion, or other suitable structures.

At least one elastic member/strap 500,600 connects at least one ringconnector 300,400 and to at least one foot sleeve 550,650. An example ofan elastic member/strap 500,600 is shown. Strap 500 can have detachableconnectors on each end. Two elastic members or straps 500,600 may beconfigured to removably engage belt 200 and foot sleeves 550,650.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an example embodiment of anankle/foot support 550 which can be used to attach to one of the lowerelastic bands. FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the ankle/foot 550.At least one foot sleeve 550,650 may comprise at least one ring 560,660configured to removably engage at least one elastic member/strap500,600. At least one elastic member/strap 500,600 comprises an elasticband configured to be any suitable elasticity. For example, at least oneelastic member/strap 500/600 may be of a length configured to providecontinuous or partial tension to the legs of a user as they are beingmoved. In some versions, at least one elastic member/strap 500/600 maybe of a length operable to provide tension to the legs of a user onlywhen the user's legs are extended. The user may use multiple differentlengths and thicknesses of at least one elastic member/strap 500,600 aswould be suitable. For example, at least one elastic member/strap500,600 may have a thickness of over 1 cm to provide high resistance tostretching. Alternatively, at least one elastic member/strap 500,600 mayhave a thickness of less than 1 cm to provide lesser resistance tostretching. In some versions, at least one elastic member/strap 500,600may comprise materials of varying elasticity thereby providing variableelasticity of at least one elastic member/strap 500,600 as one ofordinary skill in the art would see fit. Alternatively, at least oneelastic member/strap 500,600 may be substituted with a non-elasticmember. In yet another version, at least one elastic member/strap500,600 may connect directly to belt 200 thereby coupling belt 200 andat least one foot sleeve 550,650.

At least one foot sleeve 550,650 comprises an ankle engagement portion,a toe engagement portion, and a connecting portion 560,660, whereinconnecting portion 560,660 is configured to connect ankle engagementportion and toe engagement portion. Connecting portion 560,660 isconfigured to be removable such that at least one foot sleeve 550,650comprises only ankle engagement portion. Connecting portion 560,660 isconfigured to be removable such that at least one foot sleeve 550,650comprises only ankle engagement portion. Connecting portion 560,660 maycomprise a plurality of bands extending between ankle engagement portionand toe engagement portion. Alternatively, connecting portion 560,660may promise a single portion of material encompassing at least a portionof a foot of a user placed in at least one foot sleeve 550,650.

Ankle engagement portion may comprise an adjustable portion configuredto allow adjustment of the diameter of ankle engagement portion.Adjustable portion may comprise a Velcro material or any other removablyattachable material suitable to allow adjustment of ankle engagementportion. Ankle engagement portion may be configured to fit the ankle ofa user or to alternatively fit the ankle portion of a shoe of a user.

Connecting portion 560,660 may comprise an elastic material, a fixedlength material, or any suitable material to engagement portion isconfigured to engage the toe or toe portion of a shoe of a user.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of wrist support 1350 which can beused to attach to one of the upper elastic bands 1300,1400. FIG. 10 isbottom perspective view of wrist support 1350. FIG. 11 is a perspectiveview of a handle 1350 which can be used with the elastic bands 1300 or1400. At least one wrist sleeve 1350,1450 may comprise at least one ring1360,1460 configured to removably engage at least one elasticmember/strap 1300,1400.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of a person wearing the rehabilitation exercise10 with lower elastic bands 500,600 connected to adjustable connectors300,400 of the belt 200 (at the highest connecting rings 330,430), andalso connected to the ankle/foot supports 550,650, but with bands500,600 not in the middle of the user's glutes. FIG. 13 is a rear viewof the person wearing rehabilitation exercise 10 now with the elasticbands 500, 600 connected to adjustable connectors 522,622 (at the lowestconnecting rings 350,450) and with adjustable connectors 300,400 of thebelt 200 horizontally moved so that the bands 500,600 are now in themiddle of the user's glutes schematically indicating vertical andhorizontal adjustability of the rear connectors 300,400.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate options for connecting upper bands 1300,1400.FIG. 14 is a front view of the person wearing rehabilitation exercisedevice 10 with upper elastic bands 1300,1400 connected to connectingrings 1110,12140 and going to the front of the person (over theshoulders, and with the person having arms stretched out against thebands 1300,1400). FIG. 15 is a rear view of person wearingrehabilitation exercise with upper elastic bands 1300,1400 connected tothe single rear connecting ring 1010 and going to the front of theperson (under the shoulder/arm pits).

Spinal Alignment

FIGS. 16-18 schematically illustrate how the belt 200 and lower elasticbands 500,600 tend to cause a pelvis tilt and spinal realignment keepingthe person in the proper position during rehabilitation/exercisemovements. In FIG. 16 no exercise device 10 is worn and the individual'sspinal curvature without rehabilitation exercise device 10 is shown as2000 and schematically represented by curved line 2100. In FIG. 17 theuser is now wearing rehabilitation exercise device 10 and theindividual's repositioned spinal curvature with rehabilitation exercisedevice 10 is shown as 2050 with the repositioning schematicallyrepresented by original curved line 2100 (now shown in broken lines) tofinal curved line 2150. Arrows 2104 schematically indicate therepositioning caused by rehabilitation exercise device 10. In FIG. 18the repositioning of the user's spinal curvature caused berehabilitation exercise device 10 is shown (but with rehabilitationexercise device 10 omitted for clarity) with original position of spineshown as broken line 2000, and final position of spine shown as solidline 2050—and the repositioning schematically represented by originalcurved line 2100 (now shown in broken lines) to final curved line 2150with arrows 2104 schematically indicating the repositioning caused byrehabilitation exercise device 10. In one embodiment spinal shiftingoccurs to an optimum level.

In one embodiment exercise rehabilitation device is marketed with theclaim that it causes a pelvis tilt and/or spinal realignment keeping theperson in the proper position during rehabilitation exercise movements.

Rehabilitation exercise device 10 may be used in a variety of ways. Forexample, rehabilitation exercise device 10 may be worn by a userengaging in physical therapy after an injury and exercising. The usermay place his feet in the foot sleeves 550 and 650. The user may do thiswhile keeping his shoes on or by placing a bare feet into the footsleeves 550,650. Once the user places a single foot or both feet in atleast one foot sleeve 550,650, the user may then secure elasticmembers/straps 500,600 to first and second adjustable connectors300,400. The user may select the vertical tension to be placed on eachelastic member/strap 500,600 by selecting one of the respective verticalrings 330,340,350 and 430,440,450 (the user may even select differenttensions on elastic members/straps 50,600 by selecting rings atdifferent vertical heights for each elastic member/strap). The user maythen horizontally adjust adjustable connector 300 and/or 400 betweentheir respective left and right extreme adjustment positions so thatelastic member/straps 500,600 are located in the vertical middle of theuser's legs (and the middle of the user's respective buttocks cheeks orglutes).

The user may then secure shoulder harness 1000 around the user'sshoulders. The user may then shoulder straps 1100, 1200 to lowershoulder straps 1150, 1250 which securing includes an adjustableconnector. The user may then secure shoulder straps 1100, 1200 to eachother through adjustable connectors 1130,1230 across the user's chest.The user may vertically attach shoulder harness 1000 to belt 200 throughadjustable connector 1020 and detachable connector 280, along withadjusting the vertical distance between shoulder harness 1000 and belt200. Of course, these acts may be done in any order as would be suitableby one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

After putting on rehabilitation exercise device 10, the user may thenexercise. For example, the user may perform cardiovascular exercises,strength training exercises, or any other suitable exercise.Alternatively, the user may simply go about his or her day wearing lowerrehabilitation exercise device 10 in such a way that dos not demandconscious exercising. The user may switch at least one elasticmember/strap 500,600,1300,1400 to change the elasticity of the elasticmember/strap. The user may connect to a different vertical ringconnection ring (430, 440, and/or 450). For example, the user may useelastic member 500 of one elasticity on one leg and elastic member 600of a different elasticity on the other leg. In some versions, the usermay use multiple at least one elastic member 500,600 on a single leg toprovide additional tension.

Operation of the Rehabilitation Exercise Device

To start a rehabilitory exercise, the user simply places belt portion200 around his waist in a comfortable position and puts on anklesupports 550,650. He then connects elastic members/straps 500, 600 toankles supports 550,650, and horizontally adjustable connectors 300,500(selecting the appropriate connecting ring 330,340, or 350; and 430,440,or 450). At the same time, due to the provision of back-support portion1500, belt portion 200 can be used as a physiological back support and atrauma-prevention mechanism.

Next, if desired the user puts on shoulder harness 1000 with elasticmembers 1300,1400. He then takes the free end of the straps 1100 and1150 (and 1200 and 1250), connects these to securely hold shoulderharness 1000 to the user, and then connects 280,1020 top connectshoulder harness 1000 to belt 200. He has the option of using any or allof the four elastic members/straps 500,600,1300,1400, depending uponhis/her exercise objectives.

Once he has attached the belt 200 and feels comfortable with thetensions and adjustments, he then begins a series of complementary andspecially designed exercises that cover a full range of rehabilitoryexercises including aerobic, strength development, and balancefunctions, and are provided according to a range of proficiency, frombeginning (simple) to advanced (complex). These exercises involve theuse of the rehabilitory exerciser 10 for standing, walking, running,jumping, sitting, lying down, stretching, aerobics, and othersport-specific exercises.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a person jogging with the rehabilitationexerciser 10 with lower 500,600 and upper 1300,1400 elastic bands inplace. FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a person jogging with therehabilitation exerciser 10, but with only lower elastic bands 500,600in place (omitting upper elastic bands 1300,1400).

FIG. 21 schematically illustrates another rehabilitation exercise withthe rehabilitation exerciser 10 with lower 500,600 and upper 1300,1400elastic bands in place where the individual stands and has one or botharms stretched out in a generally vertical direction.

FIGS. 22A and 22B schematically illustrates one rehabilitation exercisewith the rehabilitation exerciser 10 with lower 500,600 and upper1300,1400 elastic bands in place where the individual bends generallyhorizontally at the hip while standing on one leg, and has one or botharms stretched out in a generally horizontal direction. Arrows 3000schematically indicates bending of one of the knees while remaining inthe generally horizontal position for the arms, torso and other leg.Legs can be switched for bending during repetitions of therehabilitation exercise.

FIGS. 23-25 schematically illustrate another rehabilitation with therehabilitation exerciser 10 with lower 500,600 elastic bands in placeexercise where the individual sits with a generally vertical posturewith the legs bent at the knees while extending one or both legs from agenerally vertical direction to a generally horizontal direction. Arrow3200 schematically indicates that the left user's leg moves outwardly(while the right user's leg remains in position). The user preferablysits upright and grabs a base to maintain posture during movements.After the left leg is brought down (in the opposite direction of arrow3200) to a vertical position the right leg can be stretched out in thedirection of arrow 3200. This process can be repeated a plurality oftimes.

FIGS. 26-27 schematically illustrate another rehabilitation exercisewith the rehabilitation exerciser 10 with lower 500,600 elastic bands inwhere the individual stands in a generally vertical posture, and thenextends one leg from a generally vertical direction to an offsetposition while the other leg remains in a generally vertical direction.Arrow 3300 schematically indicates that the user's right leg movingoutwardly to the right (while the user's left leg remains in a generallyvertical position). The user preferably stands upright and grabs a baseto maintain posture during movements. After the right leg is broughtdown (in the opposite direction of arrow 3300) to a vertical positionthe left leg can be stretched out in the opposite direction of arrow3300. This process can be repeated a plurality of times.

Tension in the elastic straps is adjusted by the user, if desired.

The following is a list of reference numerals:

LIST FOR REFERENCE NUMERALS (Reference No.) (Description) 10 apparatus100 lower body exercise device 200 belt 210 first end 215 adjustableconnector 220 second end 225 adjustable connector 230 longitudinal line250 upper portion 260 lower portion 270 vertical belt 280 adjustableconnector between belt and upper harness 300 first lower adjustableconnecting member 302 adjustment arrow 310 left extremity of adjustment315 area of adjustment 320 right extremity of adjustment 330 firstconnecting ring 340 second connecting ring 350 third connecting ring 400second lower adjustable connecting member 402 adjustment arrow 410 leftextremity of adjustment 415 area of adjustment 420 right extremity ofadjustment 430 first connecting ring 440 second connecting ring 450third connecting ring 500 lower elastic member/strap 510 first end 512detachable connector for first end 520 second end 522 detachableconnector for first end 550 foot sock/sleeve 552 base 554 firstadjustable strap 556 second adjustable strap 558 reinforcement strip 560connecting ring for lower elastic member/strap 600 lower elasticmember/strap 610 first end 612 detachable connector for first end 620second end 622 detachable connector for first end 650 foot sock/sleeve660 connecting ring for lower elastic member/strap 1000 shoulder harness1005 rear portion or pad 1010 rear attachment ring 1020 detachableconnector between shoulder harness and belt 1100 shoulder strap 1110front attachment ring 1130 adjustable connector between two shoulderstraps 1140 connector for shoulder strap and lower shoulder strap 1150lower shoulder strap 1200 shoulder strap 1210 front attachment ring 1230connector for two shoulder straps 1240 connector for shoulder strap andlower shoulder strap 1250 lower shoulder strap 1300 upper elasticmember/strap 1310 first end 1312 detachable connector for first end 1320second end 1322 detachable connector for first end 1350 handle 1360connecting ring for lower elastic member/strap 1380 wrist coverattachment 1382 base 1384 first adjustable strap 1386 second adjustablestrap 1387 third adjustable strap 1390 first connecting ring for wristcover 1392 second connecting ring for wrist cover 1400 upper elasticmember/strap 1410 first end 1412 detachable connector for first end 1420second end 1422 detachable connector for first end 1450 handle 1460connecting ring for lower elastic member/strap 1480 wrist coverattachment 1482 base 1484 first adjustable strap 1486 second adjustablestrap 1487 third adjustable strap 1490 first connecting ring for wristcover 1492 second connecting ring for wrist cover 1500 back support 1510detachable connector (e.g., Velcro) 1600 belt extender 1610 first end1615 adjustable connector for first end 1620 second end 1625 adjustableconnector for second 2000 spinal posture without rehabilitationexerciser 2050 shifted spinal posture 2100 schematic representation ofspinal posture without rehabilitation exerciser 2104 arrows 2150schematic representation of shifted spinal posture 3000 arrow 3100 arrow3200 arrow 3300 arrow

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature andpressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. Allmaterials used or intended to be used in a human being arebiocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

Having shown and described various embodiments of the prevent invention,further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may beaccomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill inthe art without departing from the scope of the present invention.Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and otherswill be apparent to those skilled in the art. It will be understood thateach of the elements described above, or two or more together may alsofind a useful application in other types of methods differing from thetype described above. Without further analysis, the foregoing will sofully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, byapplying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applicationswithout omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairlyconstitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspectsof this invention set forth in the appended claims. The foregoingembodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of thepresent invention is to be limited only by the following claims.

1. An injury rehabilitation exercise device comprising: i) a belt havingopposed lateral sections to be worn over hips of a person; ii) pluralityof laterally adjustable connectors each having a range of lateraladjustability relative to the belt; iii) a plurality of foot/ankleconnectors, each of the foot/ankle connector having a connector; iv) afirst elastic cord having a first end connected to one of the laterallyadjustable connectors, and a second end connected to the ring on one ofthe foot/ankle connectors; and v) a second elastic cord having a firstend connected to another one of the laterally adjustable connectors, anda second end connected to the ring another one of the foot/ankleconnectors.
 2. The rehabilitation device of claim 1, further comprisingan upper harness portion, the upper harness portion having at least oneconnector and a plurality of upper elastic bands, the upper elastic eachof the upper elastic bands being operably connected to the wrist of auser.
 3. The rehabilitation device of claim 2, wherein the upper harnessportion is connected to the belt using a vertically adjustableconnector.
 4. The rehabilitation device of claim 3, wherein thevertically adjustable connector includes a strap and frictional slideconnector. 5-16. (canceled)
 17. The rehabilitation device of claim 2,wherein each of the horizontally adjustable connectors include a quicklock/quick unlock system of horizontal adjustability.
 18. Therehabilitation device of claim 2, wherein the quick lock/quick unlocksystem of horizontal adjustability includes the belt with a plurality ofdetachably connectable layers and at least part of the adjustableconnectors extends between the layers.
 19. The rehabilitation device ofclaim 2, wherein the quick lock/quick unlock system of horizontaladjustability is put in a state of being unlocked when the layers are atleast partially separated.
 20. The rehabilitation device of claim 2,wherein the quick lock/quick unlock system of horizontal adjustabilityis put in a state of being locked when the layers are not partiallyseparated.
 21. (canceled)
 22. The rehabilitation device of claim 1,wherein the device repositions a user's spine during exercises foroptimum spinal position.
 23. A method of rehabilitating an injurycomprising the steps of: a) wearing first and second foot/ankleconnectors; b) wearing a belt having opposed lateral sections, and aplurality of laterally adjustable connectors each having a range oflateral adjustability relative to the belt; c) anchoring a first end ofa first elastic cord at one of the a plurality of laterally adjustableconnectors and the second end at the first foot ankle connector; d)anchoring a first end of a second elastic cord at another of the aplurality of laterally adjustable connectors and the second end at thesecond foot ankle connector; e) after steps “c” and “d” laterallyadjusting the one of the plurality of laterally adjustable connectors sothat the first elastic cord is in the middle of the users left buttockscheek; f) after steps “c” and “d” laterally adjusting the one of theother of the plurality of laterally adjustable connectors so that thesecond elastic cord is in the middle of the users right buttocks cheek;g) after step “f” performing a rehabilitation exercise.
 24. The methodof claim 23, wherein in step “f” a user's spine is repositioned duringthe rehabilitation exercise for optimum spinal position.
 25. The methodof claim 23, wherein in step “f” the user jogs.
 26. The method of claim23, including the additional step of wearing an upper harness portion,the upper harness portion having at least one connector and a pluralityof upper elastic bands, the upper elastic each of the upper elasticbands being operably connected to the wrist of a user.
 27. The method ofclaim 26, wherein the upper harness portion is connected to the beltusing a vertically adjustable connector which resists vertical movementof the belt during step “g”.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein in step“f” the user jogs while extending and extracting the user's wrists ingenerally horizontal planes.
 29. The method of claim 27, wherein in step“f” the user extends and extracts the user's wrists in generallyvertical planes. 30-32. (canceled)
 33. The method of claim 27, whereinin step “f” the user has a torso, first and second legs, first andsecond arms, and while the user is in a sitting position starting withboth feet touching the ground, the user moves the first leg in agenerally horizontal position and moves it back to a position where bothfeet are touching the ground.
 34. The method of claim 33, wherein instep “f” the user while the user is in a sitting position starting withboth feet touching the ground, the user moves the second leg in agenerally horizontal position and moves it back to a position where bothfeet are touching the ground.
 35. The method of claim 27, wherein instep “f” the user has a torso, first and second legs, first and secondarms, and while the user is in a standing position starting with bothfeet touching the ground, the user moves the first leg in a laterallyoutward and moves it back to a position where both feet are touching theground.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein in step “f” the user whilethe user is in a sitting position starting with both feet touching theground, the user moves the second leg in a laterally outward and movesit back to a position where both feet are touching the ground. 37.(canceled)